The United Kingdom has declined to join Donald Trump's newly established 'board of peace,' citing concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin's involvement. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that Britain would not be a signatory to the initiative, which aims to oversee a ceasefire and reconstruction in Gaza.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Cooper expressed support for Trump's 20-point Gaza plan but noted that the legal treaty raised broader issues. 'We do also have concerns about President Putin being part of something which is talking about peace, when we have still not seen any signs from Putin that there will be a commitment to peace in Ukraine,' she said.
The board, announced last week, includes Trump as chair, with founding executive board members such as Tony Blair and Marco Rubio. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel have agreed to join. However, critics argue the board undermines existing international bodies like the UN.
Cooper emphasised that the UK would continue international discussions with allies. The Kremlin confirmed Putin was invited to join, with Russia seeking to clarify details with Washington before responding. Trump, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, claimed Putin had accepted the invitation.
